A Singapore woman has raised concerns over a prolonged investigation into a parcel theft case that occurred outside her Tiong Bahru residence in May 2025, citing repeated delays, officer reassignments, and a lack of timely updates from authorities.
Vanessa Chia, a resident of Tiong Bahru, filed a police report on 26 May 2025 after her parcel was allegedly stolen in broad daylight, despite the presence of two CCTV cameras along her corridor.
Footage of the theft, showing a man taking the parcel from a cabinet outside her unit at around 0834H, was promptly submitted to the authorities.
Victim promptly filed report and submitted CCTV evidence
Correspondence — such as the report filed with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) — reviewed by The Online Citizen (TOC) shows that Chia was informed a preliminary review would be carried out, and that she could expect a follow-up within seven working days if investigations proceeded.
Initially, the case was assigned to Investigation Officer (IO) P. Udaya Puthran from Bukit Timah Neighbourhood Police Centre.
Case repeatedly reassigned across police departments
However, on 26 June 2025—almost a month after lodging the report—Chia was informed via email that her case had been reassigned to Officer Chee Boon Heng of the Crime Strike Force, Tanglin Division.
She was again asked to submit all evidence, including the previously shared CCTV footage.
Only four days later, Chia received another notification on 30 June 2025 informing her that the case had been transferred a second time, this time to IO Gabbie Tan, also from Tanglin Division.
On 2 July 2025, IO Tan contacted her by phone and stated that the alleged perpetrator had been identified, but added that the case would not be resolved soon as the individual had multiple pending cases.
No follow-up or written updates have been received since that call.
MP appeal made amid lack of updates
Chia subsequently escalated the matter by reaching out to her Member of Parliament, Mrs Josephine Teo, through the Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng Meet-the-People Session (MPS).
After sharing her experience and concerns on 22 July 2025, her appeal was registered and processed during the MPS session held on 28 July 2025.
Despite these efforts, Chia has continued to seek updates.
In an email dated 4 August 2025, she asked for a response, citing a lack of communication for nearly two weeks.
The MPS office replied later that day, reiterating that the SPF would respond once further review of her case was complete.
Frustration mounts over lack of resolution
Speaking to TOC, Chia said: “A man was caught on CCTV stealing a parcel from my cabinet in broad daylight, despite the presence of multiple security cameras in the area. ”
“I filed a police report immediately and reached out to my MP. It’s now been over two months, and I’ve heard nothing concrete.”
The videos, which were shared, clearly showed the face of the man in question and the act as caught on camera.
When asked about the current status, she added: “The IO who last contacted me on 2nd July informed me that the perpetrator has been identified. ”
“However, the case won’t be concluded anytime soon as he apparently has several pending cases against him. That was the extent of the information I received, and I haven’t heard from anyone since.”
“I’m feeling quite frustrated at this point—it seems impossible to retrieve the parcel, and despite the fact that a legitimate crime was committed, there appears to be little that can be done to assist me.”
Chia has since taken to social media to raise awareness, stating, “It’s disheartening to see how limited the options are for victims in situations like this.
With the convenience of online shopping comes the growing risk of parcel theft—something that can affect anyone, anywhere.”
In response to media queries, including those from Mothership, the police confirmed that a report had been lodged and that investigations are still ongoing.
As of 7 August 2025, no further outcome has been communicated to the victim.
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